Zesty Mexican Rice with Chorizo and Bacon Recipe

Crafting a sumptuous Mexican rice with chorizo and bacon promises an explosion of flavors dancing across your plate.

Smoky hints of crispy bacon mingle with spicy chorizo, creating a mouthwatering symphony.

Regional culinary traditions inspired this hearty dish that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Comfort meets excitement in each carefully seasoned bite, promising culinary adventure.

Layers of robust ingredients blend seamlessly, delivering authentic Mexican warmth to your kitchen.

Home cooks and spice enthusiasts will adore this simple yet sophisticated recipe that elevates weeknight dinners.

Dive in and let these incredible flavors transport you to a vibrant Mexican kitchen.

Mexican Rice with Chorizo and Bacon Brings Big Flavor Fast

• Savor Rich Flavor Combinations: The recipe blends smoky bacon, spicy chorizo, and perfectly seasoned rice, creating an explosion of Mexican-inspired taste that will delight your palate with every single bite.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal: Preparation takes just about 30 minutes from start to finish, making this dish a practical solution for busy families who want a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• One-Pan Wonder: Using a single skillet reduces cleanup time dramatically, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet-style meal without creating a mountain of dirty dishes afterward. The technique of cooking ingredients sequentially in the same pan ensures maximum flavor retention and minimal kitchen mess.
• Customizable Comfort Food: Home cooks can easily adapt this recipe by adjusting spice levels, adding different vegetables, or substituting proteins to match personal preferences and pantry availability, making it an incredibly versatile meal option.

Mexican Rice with Chorizo & Bacon Ingredients

• Bacon: Adds smoky, crispy texture and rich flavor to the dish.
• Chorizo: Brings spicy and bold Mexican-style sausage flavor.

Cooking notes: Choose thick-cut bacon and high-quality Spanish or Mexican chorizo for best results.

• Onion, Bell Peppers: Provide sweet and savory base flavor and color.
• Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic essence to the rice.
• Peas: Optional vegetable that introduces bright green color and sweet taste.

Cooking notes: Fresh bell peppers and garlic enhance overall dish complexity.

• Rice: Core ingredient that absorbs flavors and creates main texture.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and tangy tomato base to rice.
• Chicken Broth: Creates liquid base for cooking rice with extra flavor.
• Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Chili Powder: Authentic Mexican spice blend for robust taste profile.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb for bright, herbal garnish.
• Lime: Provides zesty citrus finish and balances rich flavors.

Cooking notes: Use long-grain white rice and rinse before cooking for best texture.

Mexican Rice with Chorizo & Bacon Recipe Directions

Step 1: Sizzle the Bacon and Chorizo

Heat a large skillet over medium flame.

Cook bacon until it turns golden and crisp, creating delightful crunchy bits.

Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the delicious bacon fat in the pan.

Next, add chorizo and break it into small pieces while cooking until beautifully browned.

Step 2: Build Flavor Foundation

• Diced onions
• Chopped bell peppers

Sauté until vegetables become soft and translucent.

• Minced garlic
• Ground cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Chili powder

Stir and cook until the kitchen fills with an incredible aroma.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Add rinsed rice to the skillet, stirring to coat every grain with spices and fat.

Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to develop a nutty flavor and slightly golden color.

Step 4: Create Liquid Magic

• Diced tomatoes with juices
• Chicken broth

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low.

Cover the skillet and let the rice simmer quietly for 15-18 minutes until tender and liquid is completely absorbed.

Step 5: Final Flavor Explosion

• Crispy bacon pieces
• Browned chorizo
• Frozen peas

Fluff the rice with a fork to create light, separated grains.

Scatter fresh cilantro over the top and serve with zesty lime wedges on the side.

Easy Rice Tips for Chorizo and Bacon Flavor

• Save some crispy bacon bits for topping to add an extra crunch and flavor burst to your Mexican rice.
• Adjust chili powder and spices to match your heat tolerance, making the dish perfectly tailored to your taste preferences.
• Always rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch, ensuring each grain stays separate and fluffy during cooking.
• Use the rendered bacon and chorizo fat to build deep, rich flavor layers that elevate the entire dish's taste profile.
• Check rice package instructions for precise liquid measurements, as different rice varieties might require slight adjustments in broth quantity.

Mexican Chorizo Rice Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the rice fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled rice to freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring to remove excess air. Freeze for up to 1 month without compromising flavor or texture.
• Splash a little chicken broth or water into the rice, then warm over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating, about 5-7 minutes.
• Place rice in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly and maintain moisture.

Bold Sides for Mexican Chorizo Rice

• Sip Smoky Mexican Margarita: Blend a classic margarita with smoky mezcal instead of tequila, perfectly mirroring the chorizo and bacon's rich, smoky flavors.
• Pair Crisp Amber Lager: Choose a Mexican amber lager like Negra Modelo, whose malty sweetness and clean finish complement the rice's spicy and savory profile.
• Match Zesty Citrus Sangria: Create a white wine sangria with fresh lime, orange slices, and a splash of sparkling water to cut through the dish's richness and enhance its bright cilantro notes.
• Serve Refreshing Cucumber Agua Fresca: Blend cucumber, mint, and a touch of lime for a cool, light drink that balances the hearty, spiced rice with a refreshing undertone.

Mexican Rice with Bacon and Chorizo Mix-Ups

• Vegetarian Rice Delight: Replace chorizo and bacon with plant-based sausage and tempeh bacon, using smoked paprika for depth of flavor.
• Gluten-Free Mexican Rice: Use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure all spices are certified gluten-free. Substitute regular rice with brown rice or quinoa for added nutrition.
• Low-Carb Mexican Cauliflower Rice: Swap traditional rice with riced cauliflower, maintaining the same spice blend and protein mix. Keep chorizo or use ground turkey for lean protein.
• Seafood Mexican Rice: Replace chorizo and bacon with shrimp or white fish, adjusting cooking times to prevent overcooking. Add extra chili powder for a zesty seafood version.

FAQs

• What makes this Mexican Rice different from traditional rice dishes?

This version is packed with flavor from bacon, chorizo, and spices like cumin and smoked paprika, creating a richer, more complex taste profile than standard rice recipes.

• Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?

Long-grain white rice works best, but you can substitute with brown rice or basmati. Just adjust cooking time and liquid ratio accordingly.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on your chorizo and optional chili powder. You can control heat by choosing mild chorizo or reducing/omitting chili powder for a milder version.

• How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace chorizo and bacon with plant-based alternatives like vegetarian sausage, tempeh, or additional vegetables like mushrooms for protein and texture.

Mexican Rice with Chorizo and Bacon Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savor spicy mexican rice with chorizo and bacon, a flavor-packed dish that dances with authentic southwestern charm. Rich layers of smoky chorizo, crispy bacon, and perfectly seasoned rice promise a mouthwatering journey you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound (225 grams) Mexican chorizo, casing removed
• 4 slices bacon, diced

Vegetable Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Base and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 cups long-grain rice, rinsed
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juices
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
• 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Render the bacon in a spacious skillet over medium heat until golden and crisp. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, preserving the rendered fat within the pan.
2. Introduce the chorizo into the bacon-infused skillet, crumbling and browning the meat until it develops a deep, caramelized exterior. Remove the chorizo and set aside with the bacon.
3. Utilize the remaining fat to sauté the diced onions and bell peppers until they become translucent and slightly softened. Incorporate minced garlic and aromatic spices, allowing them to bloom and release their essential oils.
4. Fold the rinsed rice into the vegetable mixture, ensuring each grain becomes coated with the fragrant spice blend. Toast the rice gently, stirring frequently to prevent scorching and enhance its nutty undertones.
5. Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth, creating a vibrant liquid base. Bring the mixture to a robust boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and allow the rice to steam and absorb the liquid for approximately 18 minutes.
6. Once the rice reaches perfect tenderness, fold in the reserved bacon, chorizo, and sweet green peas. Gently fluff the rice with a fork to create a light, airy texture.
7. Finish the dish by garnishing with freshly chopped cilantro and serving alongside bright lime wedges for a burst of citrusy freshness.

Notes

• Customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of chili powder or adding diced jalapeños for extra spice.
• Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth to make the dish vegetarian-friendly, omitting bacon and chorizo.
• Enhance protein content by adding shredded rotisserie chicken or black beans during the final mixing stage.
• Use day-old rice for better texture and prevent mushy results when cooking Mexican rice.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 485
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg